Ephrata Area Social Services (EASS), a nonprofit in Ephrata, Pa. that works to support neighbors in need, has leveled up its programs to offer workforce development. This works together with its current Community Support Services, helping those needing resume assistance and walking them through the job application process.
The Community Support Services team at EASS is made up of resource coordinators and a social worker. They assist people with financials, signing up for SNAP benefits and medical assistance. The newest addition of workforce development was added after realizing there was a gap in services for individuals in northern Lancaster County.
“Even though there are resources in Lancaster City to assist, there were limited resources in our area,” said Casey Ellis, executive director of EASS. “The second part of our workforce development program was really about a lot of the individuals that we see just have never had someone in our corner saying I believe in you, you can do this and really kind of being that cheerleader for them in life.”
In addition to advocating for those seeking workforce development, Ellis mentioned that this program has allowed the organization to make connections with local businesses, creating a web of advocates for clients to fall back on when seeking employment.
Ellis hoped to facilitate a group discussion around employment to have everyone work together in a cohort-style program, but she soon learned that everyone had such diverse career goals, and it wouldn’t be possible to work in a large group.
“It’s not a cookie cutter approach. Everyone has their own unique needs when they come in,” she said. “So, it’s really a custom approach to each individual who comes in based off of their needs.”
As far as its partnership with employers goes, the organization has been finding success with some businesses but not all.
Ellis said, “it’s just been challenging to make those connections. We have made some, but we were hoping to make other connections where we have a lot more direct access to employment. One of the things we’re finding is we’re having success with smaller companies, but some of the larger manufacturing companies here in the area, we’re struggling to really get a foot in the door to be able to do direct referrals of people that are in our workforce development program.”
The organization has been able to connect with Senior Helpers, an Ephrata-based home health employment opportunity, for the workforce development program. This employer works around individual schedules to allow employees who need the flexibility to work outside of the typical 9-5 hours such as those who have transportation or childcare restrictions.
Additionally, the organization has partnered with some temp agencies in the area that specifically help individuals that speak English as a second language to get them help with writing and building a resume and applying for jobs with help from a translator.
The workforce development program is not only helping clients obtain jobs but also helping them earn certificates and GEDs. This allows them to have a better shot at employment as well as having discussions on best practices for interviewing.
Looking towards the future of the program, Ellis has plans to continue to grow and develop the program.
“Right now, it is taking a while from start to finish with the process, but we also are doing that custom approach,” she said. “So, that’s kind of phase one and then phase two is actually finding the employment opportunities. We would like to continue partnering with more and more local businesses in northern Lancaster County to kind of have a streamlined employment opportunities for our clients.”
